Bulls' Derrick Rose Increases Non-Contact Participation in Practice

Derrick Rose is getting closer. The Chicago Bulls still have not made any formal announcements on when to expect Rose back on the court, and Rose is still not cleared for full-contact practice, but the superstar is slowly getting closer to a return. He is traveling with the team and upping his participation in practices.

According to Aggrey Sam of CSN Chicago, Rose has been a full participant in practices aside from the contact portions. It's a good sign, but it doesn't mean Rose is ready to come back anytime soon reminds Sam.

"However, that doesn’t mean Rose will return to the court in the near future, as it was always the plan to have him increase his basketball workload in an effort to get familiar with his new teammates, have a comfort level in running the offense and regain a semblance of his timing, according to a person with knowledge of the situation."

Rose suffered a torn ACL in last season's playoffs. The injury has kept him off the court for the entire season so far, but the Bulls hope to have Rose back sometime in the second half of the NBA season. He has been rehabbing all summer and throughout the season in an effort to come back as soon as possible, but he also wants to make sure he doesn't rush back.

Rose was a big part of why the Bulls were one of the best teams in the NBA last season. In 2011-12, Rose averaged 21.8 points per game and 7.9 assists per game. In his career, he has averaged 21.0 points per game and 6.8 assists per game. Follow @hoopsinjurynews